FDD vs QQQ
First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. FDD delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 108 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FDD | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $918M | $496.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.03% | 0.44% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | +19.76% | +19.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.98% | +26.68% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.83% | +26.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.12% | +15.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.5% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 27, 2007 | Mar 10, 1999 |
FDD vs QQQ Performance
First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year FDD returned +32.98% while QQQ returned +26.68%. Year to date, FDD is up 19.76% versus a gain of 19.52% for QQQ.
Over three years, FDD compounded at +29.83% per year against +26.64% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +13.12% and +15.36% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.14% annualized vs +4.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 18.1% for FDD. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -46.5% for FDD and -83.0% for QQQ. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDD charges 0.56% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $18 annually, a gap of $38 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDD currently yields 5.03% against 0.44% for QQQ.
Holdings Overlap
FDD and QQQ share 0 holdings out of 132 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDD or QQQ?
FDD has an expense ratio of 0.56% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $38 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FDD or QQQ?
Over the past year FDD returned +32.98% vs +26.68% for QQQ, so FDD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), FDD annualized +4.31% vs +13.14% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDD or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 18.1% for FDD. Worst drawdown: FDD -46.5% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both FDD and QQQ?
FDD and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FDD and QQQ?
FDD and QQQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 132 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDD or QQQ?
FDD yields 5.03% while QQQ yields 0.44%, so FDD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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